As part of the next phase in converting all newsgathering activities at its local stations to digital, independent station group Media General has begun installing several Thomson Grass Valley Digital News Production, DNP, equipment and systems.

Media General, which placed a significant order for DNP equipment, including the Ignite automated production system, has taken delivery of the technology at six stations following a similar round of digital upgrades with Grass Valley DNP equipment at nine other Media General stations beginning in 2004.

The goal is to leverage the benefits of a shared digital environment based on the Grass Valley DNP products to make Media General’s newsrooms more competitive. The Ignite systems, now installed at four Media General stations, enable the company to produce and broadcast live newscasts and other programs with greater operator efficiency.